Organization

Park development and management in Nunavik is based solidly on consultation and co-operation with local communities. Local liaison officers ensure that concerned communities are kept abreast of developments at every stage of each park project, and they are key in relaying local knowledge to park planners at the Kativik Regional Government (KRG). In addition, working groups organized by the KRG ensure that elected municipal representatives and interested individuals have every opportunity to contribute to decisions concerning nearby park projects.

Park development and management in Nunavik is also based on a co-operative approach with the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs (sustainable development, environment and parks, MDDEP).

Regarding park development, the KRG is responsible for gathering information concerning the physical, natural and human contexts in each study area, in collaboration with elders, hunters and concerned citizens, as well as scientific researchers. This information is compiled into a status report. The status report for each park project is used by the MDDEP to prepare a draft master plan that identifies zoning and development concepts. The status report is also a starting point for the related environmental and social impact assessments required under Québec law.

With the creation of each new park in Nunavik, the MDDEP has undertaken to transfer the management of operation, protection and enhancement activities to the KRG. This responsibility includes the planning and construction of infrastructure and equipment, the drafting of operational plans and the organization of staffing, with priority placed on training and employment for local Inuit.